Crafting a beautiful, functional kitchen is an art form. The cabinetry forms the backbone of the space, defining the look and feel while providing essential storage. When designing custom cabinetry, the options are limitless—from the wood species to the layout and every detail in between. These six custom features take kitchen cabinetry from basic to spectacular, creating a personalized look that reflects your unique style.
Customized Storage Solutions
Kitchen cabinetry has come a long way from the days of simplistic cupboards lined up in a row. Now you can customize the storage design to fit your specific needs and maximize every inch of space. Consider features like:
Pull-Out Pantries
Pull-out pantries bring items out of deep corner cabinets and into easy reach. Roll-out shelves on full extension slides provide access to items in the back that normally go untouched. Optimize the space even further with organizational inserts for cans, spices, baking sheets and more.
Tray Dividers
Built-in trays and compartments for drawers keep contents neatly organized and easier to find. Opt for cutlery dividers, spice racks, utensil organizers and other inserts to save time searching.
Lazy Susans
Lazy susans efficiently utilize awkward corner cabinet space. The spinning shelves provide easy access to items in a hard-to-reach spot. Consider multi-tiered versions to double the storage capacity.
Appliance Garages
Appliance garages conceal small countertop appliances like the toaster, blender and coffee maker behind cabinet doors. Close the doors to tuck these appliances out of sight, creating a sleeker look when not in use.
Wine Racks
Wine racks built right into cabinetry provide specialized storage for bottles and glassware. Wall-mounted racks, under-cabinet racks or full wine fridge cabinets keep your collection organized and accessible.
Thoughtful storage solutions like these allow you to use every inch of space in the most practical way possible. Analyze how you use your existing kitchen to determine the customized features that would work best.
Specialty Cabinet Designs
In addition to the standard cabinet box, specialty cabinet types provide additional form and function. Unique designs include:
Glass Door Cabinets
Glass door wall cabinets allow you to display treasured dishware or show off a beautiful stacked plate collection. Glass-front cabinets also work well for frequently used items like drinking glasses. Ambient light shining through creates a lovely display.
Open Shelving
Open shelving skips the cabinet doors entirely to showcase cookbooks, plants or barware. This light and airy look works especially well for casual, cottage-style kitchens. Keep the contents tidy since everything is out in the open.
Message Centers
Message center cabinets provide a dedicated spot for organization needs like mail, keys and notes. Built-in corkboards,白boards and shelves keep essentials handy but out of sight.
Microwave Drawers
Microwave drawers preserve precious countertop space by installing this essential appliance right into a full-extension drawer built below the counter. Upper cabinets can extend to the ceiling since no over-the-range microwave is needed.
Charging Drawers
For high-tech households, a charging drawer keeps phones, tablets and other devices powered up and ready to use. Built-in outlets and connection ports are concealed when the drawer is closed.
Thoughtfully incorporating specialty cabinetry designs satisfies both aesthetic and functional needs in the kitchen. Avoid under-used dead space and maximize storage with every inch.
Mixing Wood Species
One of the most creative aspects of custom cabinetry is the ability to mix and match different wood species in the same kitchen. Using two or more complementary woods creates visual interest through contrasting colors and grain patterns.
Popular species to combine include:
- Maple and cherry
- Oak and hickory
- Walnut and maple
- Alder and cherry
- Birch and oak
Using a darker wood on lower cabinets grounds the kitchen’s appearance. Lighter wood upper cabinets open up the space visually. Using a secondary wood for an accent, such as an island or open shelving, pulls the two woods together cohesively.
The options are endless when mixing woods, so explore what pleasing combinations suit your unique tastes. Unify the look through similar cabinet door styles and hardware.
Unique Door Styles
Beyond the standard slab cabinet door, there are numerous door styles to amplify the kitchen’s customized look. Consider options like:
Inset Cabinet Doors
Inset cabinet doors sit flush within the cabinet face frame, creating a seamless, streamlined look. The doors and drawers align precisely with the rest of the cabinetry for a meticulously built-in appearance.
Beaded Inset Doors
Beaded inset cabinet doors feature a rounded groove cut into the door’s edge. This decorative beaded detail accentuates the inset door’s seamless look.
Shaker Style Doors
The Shaker style features a simple, flat recessed center panel bordered by a frame around the perimeter. These versatile doors work in both modern and traditional kitchens.
Arched Doors
For a touch of flair, arched cabinet doors add soft, graceful curves. Arched doors work especially well in the upper cabinets for an elegant look.
Cathedral Style Doors
Cathedral style doors have an arched top that mimics the arched windows found in cathedrals. The unique shape makes a distinctive statement.
Glass Doors
Cabinet doors with a glass insert panel let light shine through for an airy, open appearance. Etched, frosted or colored glass adds artistic flair.
Doors with beautiful styling details like these elevate kitchen cabinetry to feel like custom built-in furniture. Experiment with different looks to find your perfect door style.
Artistic Details
Embellishments and accents distinguish truly great cabinetry from the ordinary. A few handcrafted details to consider include:
Full Overlay Doors
Full overlay doors completely cover the cabinet face frame so no wood shows. This gives cabinets a sleek, contemporary look, maximizing the impact of door style details.
Handpainted Designs
Custom painted designs by an artisan add personalized flair to cabinet doors, drawer fronts or open shelving. Opt for freehand brushwork in your favorite colors.
Textured Finishes
Specialty finishing techniques like rub-through, crackling or rasping add aged, rustic texture for a lived-in look. Wire brushing pulls up the woodgrain for bold visual lines.
Wood Hoods
A handcrafted wood hood over the cooktop is a showstopper. Wood naturally complements the cabinetry while making a bold design statement.
Carved Details
Add elegance with hand carved accents on door frames, feet or corbels. Classically inspired details lend regal sophistication.
Inlays
Decorative inlays in contrasting woods or alternative materials like stone or metal create eye-catching works of art.
With imaginative details that reflect your unique personality, your custom kitchen cabinetry becomes a custom work of art.
Premium Hardware Choices
From knobs and pulls to hinges and handles, cabinet hardware plays a big role in the overall custom look. Steer clear of basic builders-grade hardware and opt for high-end pieces that complement your cabinetry.
Knobs and Pulls
Solid brass, rubbed bronze, matte black and other premium options catch the light beautifully and convey quality craftsmanship.
Soft-Close Hinges
Concealed soft-close hinges allow doors to gently fall shut, avoiding slamming. Especially helpful for glass doors or heavily used cabinets.
Full-Extension Drawer Slides
Full extension drawer slides let you access the entire depth of the drawer comfortably. No more strained reaching to the back!
Decorative Brackets
Bracket feet or corbels made from carved wood or metal lend an elevated, custom furniture look under cabinets or mantels.
With all the aspects of your cabinetry comes together – the wood species, door style, hardware and specialty details – the impact is incredible. Thoughtful customization creates a kitchen that looks like it was made just for you. Partner with an experienced cabinet maker to turn your dream kitchen into reality. From design consultation to professional installation, the specialists make the entire process seamless so you can enjoy the personalized kitchen you’ve always imagined.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Cabinetry Features
What are some popular custom cabinetry features?
Some top custom cabinetry features include specialty storage solutions like pull-out pantries, unique door styles like inset or glass-front, mixing wood species for contrast, artistic handcrafted details like textured finishes or carvings, and high-end hardware in premium materials.
How much more do custom cabinets cost versus stock cabinets?
Custom cabinets typically range from 10-35% more than stock cabinetry. The level of customization greatly impacts the price. Simple upgrades like mixing woods or hardware upgrades cost less than intricate hand-painted designs.
Can custom cabinets be designed for accessibility needs?
Absolutely. Custom cabinetry can be designed specifically for accessibility, with features like pull-out shelves, full-extension drawers, rollout trays, lazy susans and adjustable height countertops. Discuss specialized needs with your cabinet designer.
What custom options work well for kids’ spaces?
For kids’ spaces like bathrooms, homework stations or play areas, opt for durable finishes and materials, adjustable shelves and desk heights, fun colors, reachable hardware, and easy-access drawers for storing toys.
Do custom cabinets come assembled or is on-site assembly required?
Typically, custom cabinetry is delivered fully constructed, finished and installed by professionals to ensure a precise fit. Some larger assemblies may be completed on site. The installer assembles all cabinets.
How long does the custom cabinetry design process take?
The design process usually takes 4-6 weeks from first consultation to finalized drawings. From there, construction takes 6-8 weeks before delivery. Total timeline is typically 3-4 months. Well worth the wait for custom results!
With endless options for creating your dream kitchen, custom cabinetry allows you to maximize functionality, aesthetics and quality craftsmanship. Partnering with specialists experienced in designing and building custom cabinetry ensures you get the maximum benefits tailored to your unique space and needs.
Conclusion
Custom cabinetry unleashes a world of possibilities for your kitchen or any room. With personalized storage solutions, eclectic mixes of wood species, myriad door styles, artistic embellishments and high-quality hardware, you can handpick each element to create your perfect vision. Work with skilled craftspeople to add beauty and function that reflects your lifestyle and design sensibilities. Though the investment is higher, custom cabinetry pays dividends for many years by creating spaces you’ll love coming home to. With smart planning and expert guidance, you can have the distinctive kitchen you’ve been dreaming about! What custom details will make your cabinetry stand out from the rest?
